Dress nicely. Be on time. Remember to breathe. While these are all great tips for your job interview, there’s so much more to know. You need to be prepared if you really want that new position. Whether you’re new to the workforce or are switching jobs after many years, it’s time to brush up on your job interview skills. Plus: Do you make a good first impression?

Preparing for a job interview begins with doing your homework. You applied for that job for a reason, so make sure you leave your interviewer with no doubt in his or her mind as to why you want it.

First, obtain any information you can about the job description, application process, salary and benefits, etc. Often the human resources department can help you with that, so don’t be afraid to call or shoot over an email.

Then get online or to your local library and read up on the company, its history, the industry, the company’s competition, and the employers, especially the interviewer, if possible. It might sound like a lot of research for a job you may not even end up getting, but it’s worth it. You’ll let the interviewer know just how serious you are about the position you’re vying for.

Don’t forget to bring extra copies of your resume and, if appropriate, a portfolio of your work (but wait for the interviewer to ask for it). The more prepared you are, the less anxious or nervous you’ll feel.

The First Impression

Like it or not, job interviewers can usually tell whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the job within the first minute.

It’s called the first impression, and it means your personal appearance, outfit, facial expressions, and body language can all make or break it for you.

Always dress for success. Choose a nice pant or skirt suit, even if the position you’re applying for is casual. Lay low on heavy cologne, perfume and makeup.

And whatever you do, don't be late! MapQuest the directions, or if you’re prone to getting lost, do a test-run to the interview site the day before. Plan to be 15 minutes early to fill out any applications or paperwork before the actual interview begins.

To make a great first impression, take a deep breath and put on a smile. Walk in with confidence, but not cockiness, give a firm handshake, introduce yourself in a pleasurable tone of voice, make eye contact, sit up straight, and show your enthusiasm.

Common Questions

Every company has specific interview questions they like to ask job candidates. How you prepare for those questions can either land you the job, or sink your battleship. Here is a sample of list of possible job interview queries:

"Tell me about yourself."

"Why do you want to work here?"

"Describe a bad situation and how you dealt with it."

"Why should we hire you?"

"How well do you work with others?"

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

"Where do you see yourself in several years?"

While you probably assume you could talk your way through any question, it’s not as easy when you’re actually put on the spot. Ask yourself one of these questions out loud.

Did your answer just come out the way you’d want it to in an interview? More likely than not, you’ll need to practice your answers, and maybe even do a little soul-searching.

When considering how you’ll answer common interview questions, think in terms of the job and the company, not your personal life. Your interviewer doesn’t want to know that you see yourself married with a family in five years or how you dealt with a meddling in-law. He or she is looking for job-specifics.

Also, keep your answers less than 60 seconds. It’s helpful if you write down your responses and practice answering them to yourself or to a friend or family member beforehand.

Just be careful not to sound like you’re reciting them; take a moment to really consider the question and collect your thoughts before answering.

Turn Negatives into Positives

Interviewees often trap themselves by answering an interview question with a negative response. For example, a question like “Why did you leave your old company?” can turn into a five minute rant about the horrible ways you think your boss tried to sabotage you.

Even if your boss was a jerk, the interviewer will not be impressed by your bad-mouthing him or her.

To answer the boss question, be diplomatic. Never show disdain for your old boss, coworker or company. Your interviewer might think you were actually part of the problem because of your negativity.

If the interviewer asks if you have a certain skill, never reply with “No, I don’t, I’ve never had to do that before.” With questions that have a potential negative answer, spin it into something positive.

If you don’t have a certain skill set, it’s always appropriate to say, “But I’m willing to take a night class or stay late after work to learn.”

Ask Not What the Company Can Do For You…

…ask what you can do for the company. A common mistake interviewees make is trying too hard to sell themselves. Don’t go into an interview with the mindset that you’re doing them a favor if they hire you.

When asked, “Why should we hire you?” don’t just blindly rattle off all of your personal and professional achievements. Instead, relate those accomplishments to how they will contribute to bettering their company.

Show Me the Money

To negotiate a salary, don’t walk into an interview announcing you’ll take nothing less than double the figure they’re offering. Familiarize yourself with the rules for negotiating this often touchy subject.

First, find out what kind of salary people in your same field are making. And remember, geography does play a role in how much you can expect to make. Cost of living can range widely from city to city and state to state.

Next, have a flexible salary range in mind, starting with what would be the very minimum you can accept to what may be a long shot. What you currently make doesn’t have much bearing on the job you’re interviewing for, unless you’ve applied for an entry-level position.

Your interviewer will assume you’re looking for a higher salary, and if you know you’re qualified, go for what you’re worth!

Never bring up the subject of money until the interviewer does. Once the topic is on the table, and you’re sure you have all of the information you need about the job, give a range and mention that it’s the total compensation package you’re more concerned with.

Avoid bringing up salary questions at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you if you have any more questions. Instead, end your interview by asking about anything you’re unclear on.

Don’t forget to thank your interviewer for his or her time. Take the initiative and let the interviewer know that you’ll follow up with him or her after the interview is over.

And don’t forget to send a thank you note that reiterates your interest in the position. You’d be surprised at how well this small gesture works.

Good luck in all of your job interviews!

Do You Make a Good First Impression?As the old saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover... but people do it all the time! Sure, it’s unfair, but first impressions can haunt you forever. Like it or not, your attitude, appearance and overall demeanor say a lot about you. What is yours saying? Take this first impression quiz

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